Mahadev Govind Ranade - Co-founded Prarthana Samaj, Advocated Widow Remarriage and Social Justice

 

Mahadev Govind Ranade - Co-founded Prarthana Samaj, Advocated Widow Remarriage and Social Justice

Introduction
Mahadev Govind Ranade, often called Justice Ranade, was a towering figure in India’s social reform movement. Born in 1842 in Nashik, Maharashtra, he was a scholar, judge, and reformer whose heart beat for social justice. As a co-founder of the Prarthana Samaj, he worked tirelessly to promote widow remarriage, women’s education, and the upliftment of marginalized communities. His calm yet resolute approach made him a guiding light for a society yearning for change.

Reasons for Inception
In the 19th century, Indian society was steeped in practices that oppressed women and lower castes. Widows were condemned to a life of suffering, child marriage was rampant, and untouchability divided communities. Ranade, educated at Elphinstone College and influenced by Western ideas of equality, saw these as barriers to India’s progress. His exposure to the Brahmo Samaj’s reformist zeal and his own Chitpavan Brahmin background, which he sought to reform, fueled his resolve. He believed that true progress required "humanizing and equalizing" society, starting with women’s rights and social justice. The need for a rational, inclusive reform movement led him to co-found the Prarthana Samaj in 1867, a platform to blend spirituality with social change.

Course of His Efforts
Ranade joined hands with Dr. Atmar Prarthana Samaj with reformers like Atmaram Pandurang and R.G. Bhandarkar to promote monotheism and social reform. The Samaj focused on four key areas: removing untouchability, promoting women’s education, abolishing child marriage, and encouraging widow remarriage. Ranade’s leadership made it a powerful force in western India.

He founded the Widow Remarriage Association in 1861, advocating for the right of widows to remarry, a radical idea at the time. He argued that remarriage was not only humane but essential for social progress, citing historical and scriptural evidence. His efforts contributed to the Hindu Widows’ Remarriage Act of 1856, though he continued to push for its acceptance. Ranade also supported women’s education, believing it was key to empowerment, and worked to establish schools for girls.

As a judge and member of the Indian National Congress, Ranade used his influence to advocate for political and social reforms. He founded the Poona Sarvajanik Sabha to address public grievances and edited the journal Induprakash to spread reformist ideas. His approach was constitutional and collaborative, earning him respect even among conservatives.

Results and Impact
Ranade’s efforts through the Prarthana Samaj had a lasting impact. The movement grew in Maharashtra and southern India, with reformers like Kandukuri Veeresalingam spreading its ideals. Widow remarriage gained gradual acceptance, with organizations like D.K. Karve’s Widow Home Association successfully arranging marriages. The Samaj’s focus on education led to the establishment of schools and colleges, empowering women and lower castes.

Ranade’s advocacy for social justice influenced the Indian National Congress, embedding social reform in the freedom struggle. However, resistance from orthodox groups slowed progress, and practices like child marriage persisted. Despite this, Ranade’s legacy as a reformer who bridged tradition and modernity endures, with the Prarthana Samaj remaining a symbol of rational reform.

Conclusion
Mahadev Govind Ranade’s vision for a just and equal society transformed lives through the Prarthana Samaj. His advocacy for widow remarriage, women’s education, and social justice challenged age-old norms, paving the way for a more inclusive India. His life teaches us that change, though slow, is possible through persistence and compassion.